Tag Archives: Plan

Mexico, Plan, Puerto Vallarta, Trip Ideas

Puerto Vallarta: 10 Reasons to Go

June 24, 2014

Backed by mountains and embracing the sea, Puerto Vallarta welcomes visitors with a spirit of genuine hospitality. Here, beach culture meets local flavor, and the glitz of modern resorts mingles with the charm of cobblestone streets. One can remain in the center of the action, cloister in an all-inclusive on the edge of town or migrate to a quiet seaside village a few miles to the north or south. Regardless of venue, the Puerto Vallarta resort area remains one of Mexico’s favorite seaside escapes.

1 A Warm Place

With an average of 320 days of sunshine each year, Puerto Vallarta provides ample solar energy for sun worshipers, while the Pacific Ocean mitigates air temperatures to an annual 80- degree average. Weather isn’t the region’s only warmth. Signs leading into town proclaim it “The Friendliest City in the World,” and most feel this claim is justified.

2 The Big Bay

Puerto Vallarta overlooks expansive Banderas Bay, which encompasses 26 miles of coastline within its north-to-south arch. The open waters of the bay are a playground for sailors, while the shores are lined with small fishing and resort villages with beaches that offer everything from surf breaks to calm coves ideal for snorkeling and wading. Some of the favorite sandy strands are adjacent to downtown and the resort districts, while other prime swimming spots are accessible only by boat.

3 Updated Amenities

As one of Mexico’s most significant tourism zones, the Puerto Vallarta region has benefited from significant investments in airport, roadway and hotel infrastructures over the past four decades. These improvements have not overshadowed the personality of the city, which remains rich in culture and tradition.

4 Island Oasis

The Cuale River runs through Puerto Vallarta and into the sea. Near its mouth, a green island of the same name has become one of the city’s favorite in-town getaways. Swinging pedestrian bridges lead to a collection of small restaurants and shops that line shaded walking paths. Cuale Island is also home to a crafts market and cultural center, and the eastern end is maintained as a forested park that attracts visitors and locals alike.

5 Huichol Art

The artwork of Mexico’s indigenous Huichol people is prized by collectors. These painting-like tapestries, which are fabricated from colorful yarns, often depict cultural icons that are sacred or important to Huichol culture. Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places in Mexico to find authentic examples of this artwork, and there are a number of shops and galleries on Lazaro Cardenas that specialize in original examples.

6 On the Waterfront

Tourists and locals alike make their way to the shore to stroll the palm-lined waterfront promenade known as El Malecon. Benches invite relaxation and are an ideal place from which to watch street performers or contemplate the statues placed along a 12-block stretch of walkway flanking Los Muertos Beach.

7 An Aquatic Treasure

At the south end of Banderas Bay, some eight miles from Puerto Vallarta, a group of near-shore rock formations mark the site of Los Arcos National Marine Park. The shallow and usually calm waters surrounding these outsized boulders teem with fish life, and the numerous crevices and ledges create an aquatic playground for snorkelers and divers. A number of excursion boats make daily trips to the site.

8 Market Value

Located near the Cuale River, and on the border between downtown and Old Town, the Municipal Market provides an authentic taste of local commerce. Here, hundreds of small stalls brim with every conceivable type of merchandise, from the necessary to the whimsical, and the prices are always negotiable. On second-story enclaves above the open-front stalls are another wave of vendors, along with a collection of small local eateries.

9 Highland Adventures

The Sierra Madre Mountains, which rise just east of the city, offer a cool, green backdrop to the sun-soaked coast and provide for a wide range of day-trip adventures. Small villages await discovery, mountain roads lead to sweeping vistas, and tree-lined trails lie ready for exploration by foot, horse, mountain bike or off-road vehicle.

10 The Romantic Zone

South of the Cuale River lies the district of old Vallarta, which has earned the nickname of Romantic Zone. It is an area of narrow cobblestone streets and traditional buildings, which house galleries, shops and many of the city’s best restaurants. Come nightfall, it’s also the epicenter for entertainment, with music and laughter spilling into the streets.

Clearwater Beach, Florida, Plan, Trip Ideas

Clearwater Beach: 10 Reasons to Go

June 24, 2014

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Clearwater Beach is the hippy to its tri-city sisters Tampa and St. Petersburg. With its laid-back, come as you are style, this Gulf of Mexico tropical island is super chill, friendly and continually receives kudos as one of the best beaches in the country. Recently named USA Today’s 2013 “Best Beach Town in Florida,” Clearwater Beach is an everyman’s place and a microcosm of the world, from bankers to bikers, lawmakers to laborers.

1 The Ultimate Beach Town

Clearwater Beach sits on a barrier island sandwiched between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico about half way up Florida’s peninsula. Its 2.5 miles of white sandy beach and its average temperature of 73 degrees make it an attractive year-round destination. But what really earns it a ranking as one of Florida’s ultimate beach towns is its pedestrian-friendly Beach Walk. The 2008 beautification project introduced wide curvy sidewalks, sand dunes and tropical landscaping along the beach side of Gulf View Blvd. Cross over and the street is lined with swimwear boutiques, open-air cafes, bicycles shops and a marina, making this a great beach town where there’s more to do than just hang out on the sand.

2 Dolphins by Land and Sea

Follow the squeals of delight and chances are your fellow beachgoers have spotted one or more frolicking dolphin just offshore. Daily boat excursions from the municipal marina take passengers out in open water, creating dolphin-attracting wakes. On land, follow the growing trail of dolphin sculptures created by local artists, starting with the blue-and-silver sculpted wire trio near Clearwater’s landmark Pier 60, the gem-covered Jewel dolphin sculpture in the Hilton Clearwater Beach’s lobby, and Rush, Palm Pavilion Inn’s dolphin decked out in straw hat and tropical shirt.

3 Find Your Beach Style

Clear, shallow waters and super-observant lifeguards make Clearwater Beach ideal for families. Concessionaires sell ice cream and rent water-sports equipment, plus there’s a large beachfront playground to keep kids busy. Nearby restrooms and turtle-topped showers let you leave the sand at the beach. But for those in search of a little solitude, undeveloped Caldas Island sits just north of Clearwater Beach; here you can walk hours without seeing nary a soul. Anyone looking to rub elbows with the locals can head south and cross the bridge over Clearwater Pass to Sand Key, a more residential barrier island with a park and beach.

4 Life at the Pier

Pier 60 is the heartbeat of Clearwater Beach. With 1,080 feet jutting into the Gulf of Mexico, this public pier is populated with fishermen and sightseers. A bait house rents fishing gear and sells live bait so even if you didn’t plan ahead, you can cast a line. Nature lovers find this to be a good perch for spotting brown pelicans, long-legged waterfowl and an occasional dolphin. However, the best time to visit the pier is at dusk, when sunset celebrations happen nightly. Live bands and street performers, from fire eaters to break dancers, entertain while vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to artsy photos of the pier. Parents with youngsters in tow find magicians and balloon artists to keep the little ones enthralled.

5 Beachfront Tiki Bars

Nothing says you’re in a tropical locale better than your toes planted firmly in the sand with a frosty cocktail—umbrella optional—in hand and the thatched roof of a tiki hut overhead. Clearwater has the beach and vibe that’s perfect for tiki bars, and there are plenty beach-bum spots to indulge in libations. Take in the sunset at Tommy’s Tiki Bar at the Hilton Clearwater Beach, then dance the night away at Shephard’s Backyard Tiki Bar, where live reggae and rock bands occasionally jam an ’80s tune or two. “Electric Slide,” anyone?

6 Resorts of all Sorts

Humble little bungalows, charming cottages and mid-century motels verging on historic add charm to this beach town. But you’ll also find condos and ultra-luxurious resorts replete with heavenly spas, fine dining and suites with full kitchens for a weekend or extended-stay. Newer high-rises like the Sandpearl and Hyatt Regency resorts provide aerial views of the Gulf and its shoreline. Best thing, all the properties skirt the beach or the backwaters of Clearwater Bay. Distances in Clearwater Beach are judged by steps to the shore.

7 On the Water

The turquoise Gulf water is one of Clearwater Beach’s top attractions—whether you’re in it, on it or soaring above. Concessionaires and charters at the municipal Clearwater Beach Marina offer ample opportunities for power boating, parasailing, dive excursions and fishing charters. If slow is more your scene, opt for a dinner cruise, dolphin tour or sight-seeing boat trip. For those who want to be on the water in a quiet, relaxed setting, kayaking mangrove tunnels surrounded by nature is an activity accessible at nearby Caladesi Island, where rental equipment is available.

8 Downtown Diversion

Clearwater’s bluff-top downtown is just a causeway bridge away and its oak-lined streets juxtapose the beach scene just to the west. Leave the sand and surf behind and walk the pedestrian-friendly Memorial Causeway to the Cleveland Street District. Here you can dine alfresco at a café, deli or all-day breakfast diner. Then browse boutiques offering home decor, sports gear and luxe men and women’s fashions or catch a concert or classic movie at the 655-seat Capitol Theatre, built in 1921 and one of the oldest operating theaters in Florida.

9 Sync your Smartphone Calendar

No matter the month, even the day of the week, there’s always a special event on the beach or downtown. Your activity barometer will register from laid-back to super-charged with an abundance of annual events. Foodies like the totally hip, slip-off-your-shoes and walk-in-the-sand Clearwater Beach Uncorked wine and food fest, along with visits during Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week when they can try new dining spots for a fraction of the regular dinner bill. Sports-oriented visitors come for the Iron Girl half-marathon, Swim Across America’s Tampa Bay Open Water Swim and the Super Boat National Championship & Seafood Festival.

10 Go Greek

Hop on board Clearwater Beach’s Jolley Trolley for a ride north to neighboring Tarpon Springs, a Greek community with a history of sponge diving. The main street Dodecanese Boulevard runs along the Anclote River, where shrimp boats proudly flying the Greek flag dock. The boulevard is lined with restaurants, bakeries, souvlaki stands and gift shops that are owned and run by local Greeks. The food is authentic so don’t hesitate to order a dish of moussaka and stop in the bakery for syrupy phyllo pastries like baklava and kataifi. Even the Greek-centric souvenirs, reminders of the mother country, make shopping here fun.

Aruba, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Aruba: 10 Reasons to Go

June 23, 2014

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Vacationers are lured by visions of expansive swaths of sand, bright waters, casual beach culture and a smorgasbord of water sports. Aruba delivers on these promises, but there’s more to this island beyond the sun and fun. Better than half of all visitors come back, and many form lasting bonds and friendships with locals. It’s not uncommon to find folks who return twice a year for periods of a month or more; many have been coming to Aruba for decades. The island does it right, and it all starts with the people. The Aruba license plate states “One Happy Island,” which is not just a motto, but an integral element of the local atmosphere.

1 Mixing Zone

Though officially part of the Netherlands, Aruba is home to a wide range of cultures and ethnic groups, some dating from the days of the Dutch Caribbean trade, others more recent arrivals. Dutch overtones are evident, but so too are Caribbean and South American influences. Adding to the mix, you may find an artist from Spain, a yoga instructor from Norway and a chef from Italy. Over the centuries, each nation has brought a bit of their homeland culture, which can be seen in the island’s food, drink, dance and art. Native Arubans, descendents of the Arawak, are sprinkled with a dash of Dutch, Spanish and African that blends into a rich cultural mix.

2 International Markets

Aruba’s well-stocked supermarkets turn grocery shopping into an international affair. Much like the island’s diverse population, store shelves are stocked with an eclectic range of products from around the world. Take home one of Europe’s finest coffees, Douwe Egberts, and tins of almond windmill cookies from Holland. South America contributes Cacique rum and Harina P.A.N. cornmeal for making Venezuelan arepas. A bounty of sauces, condiments and spices come from Asian distributors, sharing shelf space with favorite North American brands.

3 Drink All You Want

Rather than rely on rainfall or limited and sometimes brackish groundwater reserves, Aruba gets ample supplies of fresh, coral- filtered drinking water from a state of the art desalinization plant in Oranjestad. The island is quite proud of its taste, and it flows from taps in generous and safe-to-drink quantities. Now, this pure water has also become a key ingredient in a local beer: Balashi. The island brew has edged out sister island Curacao’s Amstel as the local beer of choice.

4 Going Coastal

Aruba’s calm west coast is flanked by miles of magnificent beaches, and at the center of the action is Palm Beach, the Aruban equivalent of Copacabana. This stretch of sand is home to the island’s finest resorts and is a playground for water sports, beach activities and plenty of people watching. Whether it’s spending the day lazing in a chaise, bobbing on a float or napping under a shaded palapa, everyone makes it to Palm Beach at one time or another. Closer to town, lower-key Eagle Beach is a favorite with families, who come to play in banks of soft sugary granules and frolic in small pale turquoise waves.

5 Dry Land Adventures

More than 20 percent of Aruba lies within Arikok National Park. Located along the island’s northern shore, this 13-square-mile preserve resembles an arid Arizona landscape, with intriguing rock formations, caverns and giant cacti. Explorations can take place on foot, via horseback or by car. In addition to ancient Arawak petroglyphs, there are caves to be discovered along with pocket- size beaches and tidal pools tucked into coves that protect waders from the pounding surf. Wildlife includes donkeys, lizards, burrowing owls and the occasional rattlesnake.

6 On the Waterfront

Most everyone who visits Aruba takes in some water-based activity, even if it’s just a snorkel from the beach or a sunset sail. The steady trade winds that blow from the east made the island an early mecca for the sport of windsurfing, and kiteboarders have since joined in. In more sheltered waters, where hotels block the wind, conditions are ideal to paddle a kayak or take a yoga class on a SUP. And just offshore, coral reefs and shipwrecks beckon divers and snorkelers.

7 A Diverse Palate

The island’s 200-plus eateries are known for serving up a medley of international cuisines. Dutch, French, Belgium, Chinese, Italian and Thai dishes are favorites, but don’t pass up the opportunity to try local recipes like keshi yena—a ball of Gouda or Edam cheese filled with spiced chicken or beef, tomatoes, onions, olives, green pepper and raisins. Pastechi, an empanada filled with chicken, beef or fish, is a favorite grab-and-go snack from markets and bakeries. Dutch and Indonesian influences come together in another local pairing: chicken satay with peanut sauce, served with French fries and mayo.

8 Lady Luck

Casinos are big on the island, and just about every large resort has its own. The tables at the Hyatt Regency Casino, the Marriott Stellaris Casino and the Radisson on Palm Beach are busy day and night. In town you can try your luck at the Seaport Casino and spend your winnings at the shops, restaurants and bars right there. One of the island’s first—now rebuilt bigger and better—is the Alhambra Casino, with its own shopping and dining arcade. Operated by the Divi Group and close to its resort locations on Eagle Beach, this casino even provides complimentary transportation via golf carts, so carrying all that loot is never a burden.

9 After Hours

When the sun goes down, Aruba parties on. There is no shortage of nighttime activities both in Palm Beach and downtown Oranjestad, where you’ll find the best action including rooftop dancing and ocean views from the Local Store bar. Mojito’s Cantina & Grill at the Royal Plaza Mall pulls in the Latin lovers who gravitate toward salsa and bachata, and at the Grand Café Tropical in Renaissance Marketplace, dance tunes dominate the scene. The hotel zone is ideal for a nightcap at places such as MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant, which sits under a massive palapa right on the sand. If your night takes you no farther than Palm Beach, several clubs and bars are within walking distance of many hotels.

10 Artistic Impressions

For a small island, Aruba has a burgeoning art community, with locally grown talent. Inspiration often comes from nature, but exposure to global art and ideas has influenced both technique and medium. You’ll find sculptors, potters and painters; some portray the local landscape while other offer subtle social and environmental messages. A variety of work is showcased at three primary galleries: Gasparito Restaurant & Art Gallery, Insights Art Studio and long-time favorite Que Pasa Restaurant, Art Gallery & Bar. Exhibitions can also be viewed at the Marriott and Westin resorts on Palm Beach.

Caribbean, Jamaica, Plan, Trip Ideas

Jamaica: 10 Reasons to Go

June 23, 2014

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Bob Marley’s plea for unity, “One Love,” was doubtless inspired by his own homeland. Because of its size-150 miles long by 50 wide-Jamaica is almost continental in its diversity. It has sinuous beaches that wind along the base of its North Shore hills, a mountain range that soars above 7,000 feet, a broad plain pocked with caves, waterfalls, dense cities and nearly uninhabited rural districts. This landscape forged a multicultural national identity that embraces everyone from international entrepreneurs and musical artists who perform worldwide to Rastafarians who seldom interact with outsiders. For travelers, this Jamaica is no one-trick pony.

1 Musical Airs

Jamaica may be the Caribbean’s most musical island. It gave birth to ska, rocksteady and reggae, at least putting it on par with Cuba, the birthplace of salsa, son and cha-cha. Music is everywhere in Jamaica, and while the performers work in many styles, there’s a Jamaican way of making music that’s instantly identifiable. It’s the trademark of internationally appreciated artists, ranging from the various members of the Marley clan to Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Jimmy Cliff… it’s a long list. Whether it’s a Rasta with a guitar down by the beach or tuning up in a Montego Bay nightclub with a dancehall deejay, this is the fountainhead of a sound that has found fans around the world.

2 Historic Proportions

The Arawak Amerindians named the island Xaymaca, the land of wood and water. The towering trees, rivers and waterfalls must have been a revelation to these first arrivals from the low-lying sandy Windward Islands. Other than displacing the Arawaks, the Spanish did little to develop the island, and the British took it from them in 1655. The British established plantations and pirate havens—Port Royal was called the “Babylon of the West”—and the wealth generated by these enterprises built fine houses in Kingston and on plantations scattered along the coasts. Catch a glimpse of the grandeur at the 19th-century Devon House or the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston. See the grit at the museums of Port Royal, also in Kingston. Harmony Hall near Ocho Rios is a proper snapshot of the genteel country life and boasts an art museum to boot.

3 Live Like the Other Half

For British artists and aristocrats the North Coast was a hedonistic playground where they could cavort, uninhibited by London’s moralizing majority. The playwright, Noel Coward, built his vacation home, Firefly, on a cliff once used by the pirate Capt. Henry Morgan as a lookout. Swashbuckling actor Errol Flynn, who earned himself the nickname Tasmanian Devil, bought Navy Island in Port Antonio and spent years there dodging a statutory rape charge pending in Hollywood. You can tour Firefly and James Bond author Ian Fleming’s Goldeneye estate in Orcabessa, which is now a luxury resort.

4 Rum Running

Sugarcane was one of the main crops of the big plantations. What do you do with a ton of sugarcane? Obviously, you crush and ferment it, then cook up some rum. Jamaica was the official supplier of the spirit to the Royal Navy until the service’s daily rum rations were discontinued in 1970. You’ll find the island’s best at any bar or restaurant, or you can go to the source and visit the distilleries. Myers’s and Appleton Estate are the leading export brands, producing superbly blended spirits aged up to 30 years.

5 Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo

They may be younger and their antics more outrageous, but the rock ’n’ roll generation has also found Jamaica the perfect foil for their wild side. There’s a pervasive hipness at places like the Rockhouse hotel in Negril and Jakes resort in Treasure Beach; whether those vibes are left behind by Mick Jagger and Bob Marley or just an innate sense of boho chic, you can feel fabulous without even bothering to put on a shirt and shoes.

6 You’ll Love the Jerks

Jerk cooking has spread almost as widely as reggae. Meat seasoned with allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, cloves, cinnamon and a few other spices, was originally smoked in a pit to preserve it. These days, jerk is generally grilled over a wood fire, often in an oil drum. As good as jerk pork, chicken or goat is, that’s only a part of the story. Jamaican cuisine has many other ingredients: peas ’n’ rice (pigeon peas and rice), bammy (cassava bread), patties (meat turnovers), curry goat and the national dish, salt cod and ackee.

7 Land Lovers

Jamaica has a bit of everything iconic about the Caribbean: mountain peaks, broad sandy beaches, rocky seaside cliffs, rolling coastal plains, lazy rivers, waterfalls, mangrove coasts, vast swamps and lush valleys. Much of it is cloaked in visually searing highway-sign-green foliage punctuated by bursts of bougainvillea, fuchsia, ginger and orchids. On the shoulders of Blue Mountain Peak sits a cloud forest thick with towering palm tree-size ferns richly furred with bromeliads. That gives way to an elfin forest of miniature, wizened plants as you climb. On a clear day you can see Cuba, 90 miles away, from the 7,400-foot peak; at night, the lights of Kingston twinkle just below.

8 Adrenalized

With all of that landscape to play in, there’s no lack of ways to get an activity buzz. Without leaving most resorts you can try windsurfing or any number of water toys. You can cross the forest canopy on a zip line, hunt for saltwater crocs, dive, hike, bike, climb and ride ATVs, horses or camels. Sports operators are everywhere; just ask at your hotel tour desk.

9 Beached

If you just want some sand to lie on, there are plenty of stretches from which to choose. You’ll have no difficulty finding the spots popular with visitors, but if you’re a little adventurous, there are many less obvious choices to be discovered. Boston Beach near Port Antonio is famous for its jerk stands; nearby Winnifred Beach is popular with locals; Cosmos Beach is near Negril’s Seven Mile Beach but gets far less traffic; same with Cornwall Beach near Montego Bay which is often nearly deserted when the adjacent (and popular) Doctor’s Cave Beach is packed. Farther along the North Shore in Orcabessa is small but scenic James Bond Beach, where scenes from the 1962 Bond flick Dr. No were filmed.

10 Dollar Wise

While it’s possible to spend as much in Jamaica as anywhere else in the Caribbean, it’s also possible to spend far less. The island has the full range of guest houses, hotels and resorts. You can rent a basic beach cabin in Negril for less than $50 a night and work your way up to a room with a butler at a beachfront resort or on to a million-dollar private villa. In the middle, scores of resorts and budget-stretching all-inclusive properties let you go Jamaican your way.

Belize, Central America, Plan, Trip Ideas

Belize: 10 Reasons to Go

June 17, 2014

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Indiana Jones would feel right at home in Belize. There are jungle rivers to paddle, ancient ruins to discover and mysterious caves to explore. But move to the coast and you’ll transition to the realm of Jimmy Buffett, where water taxis and golf carts are the primary form of motorized transportation, the beach is never more than a coconut toss away, and flip-flops and a T-shirt are the universal dress code. Belize is the Caribbean at its most natural, and there are a lot of reasons why we love this small, friendly Central American country.

1 Islands Aplenty

The Mezoamerican barrier reef runs the length of the coast of Belize. Between it and the mainland lie a collection of hundreds of small islands, known locally as Cayes. The largest, Ambergris, is home to a collection of small to mid-size resort properties. Others offer low-key lodging or remote fishing and diving outposts, while many more remain sparely populated or completely uninhabited. This creates a playground for sailors, paddlers and the adventurers, who can live out Robinson Crusoe fantasies on one of the last pristine coastlines in Central America.

2 Ancient Origins

As archeologists continue to peel back the enveloping jungle, once-majestic stone edifices of the Mayan empire are revealed at sites such as Caracol. Most all are open to the public, allowing imaginative visitors to walk in the footsteps of feather-clad warriors and stand at carved altars where painted priests once offered up sacrifices to their gods. More than 15 centuries after its completion, Caracol’s central pyramid, once known as the Sky Palace, remains the country’s tallest man-made structure.

3 Room to Roam

Belize is the least populated country in Central America, both in terms of human density and the total number of people. Though roughly the same size as El Salvador, it has one-twentieth the inhabitants—just over 350,000 residents. About a third of the population lives in Belize City and another third in five other mid-size towns. This leaves vast areas of the country either devoted to small farms or in a natural state.

4 Offshore Atolls

Most people associate coral atolls with the South Pacific, but there are actually four in the Caribbean, and three of them are found off the coast of Belize: Glovers, Lighthouse and Turneffe. Unlike the cayes, which sit in the shallows behind the reef, the atolls rise from deep blue water, with sheltered lagoons enclosed within coral ramparts. Most of these atolls are now wildlife sanctuaries, but all are accessible and can be reached by boat. A highlight for many visitors is the famous Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef, which is the largest of its kind.

5 Jungle Lodge or Eco-Luxe

Hidden among the lush greenery of Belize’s interior are a number of lodges with an eco-ethos. Those seeking simplicity and back-to-nature authenticity can bed down in a riverside palapa, with little more than a mosquito net and kerosene lantern in the way of amenities. At the other end of the spectrum, renowned properties such as the Lodge at Chaa Creek provide a unique brand of “thatched-roof luxury,” combining native architecture with designer touches and mating sustainable practices, such as solar power and locally sourced menus, with upscale amenities like on-site spas and en suite hot tubs.

6 United in Diversity

Belize is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the Western Hemisphere. Its peoples and cultures represent a mingling of Mayan heritage with Spanish, West African, British and American cultures, plus sprinklings of Chinese, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and German Mennonite cultures. English is the official language, and all a traveler needs. But in market squares or coastal landings, you are equally as likely to hear Spanish and a smattering of local dialects such as Kriol, Garifuna or Kekchí.

7 Half Wild

About half of Belize remains covered in forests, ranging from coastal mangrove swamps to dense rainforests and upland pine woods. More than 80 percent of the country’s rainforests are protected, along with many other critical wildlife habitats, which are home to a diverse collection of birds, reptiles and mammals such as the black howler monkey. There are a total of 24 forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and marine parks in Belize, covering both land and sea. Together, they encompass the region’s greatest range of bio-diversity.

8 Common Courtesy

Cultural and ethnic tensions are non-existent in this mixing-pot nation. Belizeans are known for their relaxed attitudes, enjoyment of good conversation and appreciation for the everyday courtesies. They are quick to offer a “good morning” or “good afternoon” in passing, and are rarely shy about striking up a conversation with anyone who takes the time to stop and chat, or ask a question.

9 Where the Jaguars Roam

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest jaguar preserve. It is estimated that more than 80 members of the world’s third-largest cat family roam these 128,000 acres of pristine jungle. The sanctuary is also home to Belize’s other four species of cat—puma, margay, jaguarundi and ocelot—along with the endangered Baird’s tapir and more than 290 species of birds.

10 Cave Country

The foothills and mountains of Belize are riddled with caves and caverns— and don’t think small, crawl-in-the-dark crevices. Some, like Rio Frio, have arching entrances six stories high, while a number of the river caves can be navigated by canoe or astraddle an inner tube. For a more mystic experience, visit Actun Tunichil Muknal, aka the Cave of the Crystal Sepulcher, where the calcified remains of an ancient maiden shimmer like crystal under the beam of a flashlight.

Florida, Naples, Plan, Trip Ideas

Naples: 10 Reasons to Go

June 17, 2014

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There’s a slew of reasons to visit Southwest Florida’s most elegant town, but our favorite ways to experience Naples include a game of golf, shopping Fifth Avenue South, dining under the stars, a rendezvous with the arts and always a trip to the beach where the sun, surf and sunsets never disappoint. This town set on the Gulf of Mexico seamlessly blends its 10-mile beach with a stylish urban setting that like a magnet attracts more millionaires than almost any other city in the country. Year-round residents, seasonal homeowners and snowbirds alike find Naples to be irresistible, especially during the winter months known as high season. The result is a meticulously kept town with some of the most expensive real estate, classiest golf clubs and wealthiest individuals.

1 Exquisite Golf Courses

Greg Norman designed the courses at the Tiburón Golf Club, part of Naples’ Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, and to this day the Australian pro golfer still considers it home. PGA TOUR events like the Franklin Templeton Shootout have been held here, and President H.W. Bush even played a round at Tiburón. Simply put, it’s where the powerful and wealthy come to play. But that’s only one of the fine courses you’ll find in Naples. This corner of Southwest Florida has boasting rights to some 90 courses, so naturally it likes to claim the title: Golf Capital of the World.

2 Fifth Avenue South

For a fresh take on shopping and eating, visit the indie boutiques and restaurants in downtown Naples. No chain stores here. A gathering spot of sorts, this five-block stretch of Fifth Avenue South dazzles with one sidewalk café after another, and if you come on the right night, street musicians add rhythm to your walk. Besides clothing shops, this pedestrian-friendly street has art galleries, an antique shop or two, and public squares with gardens and local art displays.

3 Third Street South

One of the coolest neighborhoods, Third Street South, named so after the main street that runs through it, is where you’ll find a mix of historic cottages and sophisticated manses, high-style designer boutiques and a municipal fishing pier. You can walk to it all, and while you’re at it peek into the courtyards where European-style fountains and meticulous landscaping create pretty vignettes. Sip cocktails at an open bar or dine at a white table-cloth restaurant. Day or night, this neighborhood is buzzing.

4 Beach Time

Find Naples’ Municipal Pier and you find the beach. A hot spot on weekends, the pier draws fishermen of all sorts who wheel their gear down the 1,000-foot-long pier to cast a line. Just below on the shore, kids play volleyball and families lounge about on the soft sands and wade in the warm water. Nobody leaves before dusk because the Gulf has a reputation of presenting spectacular sunsets.

5 Resorts that Spoil

You know that if a town can support two, not one, but two Ritz-Carlton properties, its roster of guests includes the rich and famous. And Naples no doubt attracts the stars in search of R&R, especially in high season (November to April). So here’s the lowdown on the biggies, starting with the Ritz-Carlton Naples and Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, followed by LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Waldorf Astoria Naples and Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. If you haven’t made your millions yet, visit during summer when rates are reduced or pop in for a cocktail or dinner at these resorts.

6 Gateway to Nature

Sitting just north of the Everglades region, Naples is a great home-base for day trips into Florida’s more wild terrain. Hike the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, 26,000 acres with a cypress forest where panthers, bobcats, black bears and other wildlife roam. Or explore the trail into the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Kayakers can paddle deep into the Ten Thousand Islands on overnight camping excursions.

7 Artis-Naples

Cultural finds are plentiful in this Gulf city, starting with a visit to the Artis-Naples complex. This is the home of the Naples Philharmonic, so performances of classical music top the list, but Broadway shows, jazz quartets and so much more can be enjoyed here. It’s also the home of the Baker Museum, where the contemporary artwork, including the Persian Ceiling by glass artist Dale Chihuly, dominates the collection.

8 Boat to Your Island

Imagine finding your own private island if only for a couple of hours. Renting a boat and plying the waters from Naples down to the Ten Thousand Islands is one of the best ways to soak in Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. In this undeveloped region, that perfect white beach could be just around the next mangrove islet.

9 Flora and Fauna

Not one to trek the forest trails in search of wildlife and exotic species? No sweat. Naples brings the flora and fauna to you. At the Naples Botanical Garden you can walk through a tropical paradise and learn about the plants of Florida, Asia, Brazil and the Caribbean. Stop at the Naples Zoo, known for its family of cats—cheetahs, leopards, tigers and lions—plus the intriguing fossa, a rare catlike carnivorous mammal from Madagascar.

10 Architecture Row

Whether it’s the architecture or the lure of what millions can buy, a drive south on Gordon Drive to ogle Naples’ magnificent estates is a fun outing. Peek between the perfectly groomed sea grape trees and tall billowy oleanders for a glimpse of the turrets, columns and wrought-iron details that give these homes their regal appearance.

Florida, Florida Keys, Plan, Trip Ideas

Florida Keys: 10 Reasons to Go

June 17, 2014

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In a league of its own, the Florida Keys has an island vibe that makes you want to kick back and relish life – all at a much slower pace than on Florida’s mainland. With the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico on the west side, each island in this dangling string has its own personality. You’ll find great places to snorkel, fish, kayak and indulge in all sorts of water sports, as well as plenty of wildlife sightings along the way. Friendly bars and restaurants, ranging from fish shacks to fine dining, and a growing art scene, round out life in the Keys.

1 It’s the Lifestyle

Maybe your stay is only for a few days, but the main reason to visit the Keys is for its island lifestyle, and even a city slicker can easily fall into the rhythm and start promising themselves they’re moving here first chance they get. (Ask any local; they’ve heard the story many times.) Life slows down abruptly once you step foot onto this chain of tropical islands, so throw away any well-planned itinerary and just go with the flow.

2 Gone Fishing

Serious fishermen have been coming here for decades, and novices are always welcome. Take your pick: deep sea fishing out in the Atlantic Ocean, backcountry angling in the Florida Bay or bonefishing in the shallows of the flats. You’ll find top-notch fishing guides who know where the fish hang out so get ready to reel in a boat load.

3 Key Lime Pie

A signature taste, the Key lime pie has been around these islands since early Bahamians settled here more than 100 years ago and made pies with the juice from the islands’ citrus. Evolving over time, the creamy, sweet-but-tart dessert was made with either a traditional or graham- cracker crust and topped with either meringue or whipped cream. The debate goes on as to which is better, but you can decide for yourself. The pie is served at restaurants throughout the Keys, but the place local’s most often recommend is Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen on Key Largo.

4 Paddle Time

The mangrove islands that sprout up off the main keys are ideal for kayakers on the lookout for Mother Nature’s children. Spot waterfowl like herons and egrets hiding in the tangled prop roots of the red mangroves and peer into the clear waters to see fish and crustaceans in their natural habitat. Outfitters provide kayaks, and guided trips are an ideal way to get acquainted with the islands’ natural side.

5 Diving Deep

The most popular dive and snorkel spot is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park off of Key Largo, where the reef gets all the attention. Stingrays, angelfish and barracuda are found here along with fan and boulder corals. For the more adventurous divers, shipwrecks and artificial reefs are plentiful in these southern waters as well. And for landlubbers, the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada can answer any questions about the sport’s past.

6 Lobster Lovers

Home to the Florida spiny lobster, the Keys is the place to get the freshest lobster dinner. But if you’re up for an adventure, you can catch your own in the wild during season, August through March. Most popular is the season’s kick-off, a two-day mini-season held the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. Rules and limits on your take apply, so know before you go.

7 Seafood Feast

In all of Florida, the Keys is probably the best place to find the freshest seafood. Stone crabs are brought in from October through May and you can watch boats being unloaded at the Keys Fisheries in Marathon. Buy them at the adjacent market or enjoy them in the restaurant. On Stock Island just before crossing the bridge to Key West, Fishbusterz is where shrimpers and fishermen sell their catches. Look for yellowtail snapper, hogfish and all sorts of grouper, along with plump Key West pink shrimp and spiny lobsters in the market’s display case.

8 Tiny Deer

For nature lovers a sighting of a Key deer makes a trip through this chain of islands so rewarding. In the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, your chances of spotting the smallest North American deer are good. The Key deer live only in the Florida Keys and are known for swimming between islands. Residents are often surprised when they pop up in backyards.

9 Eclectic Accommodations

Nestled behind tropical greenery off U.S. Highway 1, the one road through the chain, are some really cool properties. Fishermen seeking luxury can book at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, where U.S. presidents have stayed during fishing trips. Boaters arriving by sea dock near their room or bungalow at La Siesta Resort & Marina on Islamorada. Romantics find hideaways tucked amongst blooming bougainvillea at Key Largo’s Kona Kai Resort, where escaping from life’s daily routine is totally possible. The whole family can hang out at Hawk’s Cay Resort on Duck Key, a water-sports mecca. And for accommodations on the sand, book a two-level beach house at Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel & Resort in Marathon.

10 Island Rentals

No kidding! Although it might be a bit extreme for most of us, you can rent a whole island. Seabird Key near Marathon is one option. The 10-acre island’s Old Florida-style cottage with its wraparound porch makes the perfect tropical getaway for a group of eight. Loll in a hammock strung between coconut palms or explore the surrounding waters in the 19-foot Boston Whaler provided for guests.

Florida, Palm Beach, Plan, Trip Ideas

Palm Beach: 10 Reasons to Go

June 17, 2014

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An island of wealth, Palm Beach is the winter home of celebrities, politicians, moguls and folks with supersized bank accounts. Life is different here, and a visit to this elite island city, where shiny Rolls- Royce cars and pampered pedigree pooches are everyday sights especially during season, can be otherworldly.

1 Parade of Homes

Take a dreamy drive along Billionaire’s Row, South Ocean Shore Drive, where the most exclusive and luxurious estate properties rise up between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Entrances marked with ornate gateposts, carved stone finials and towering privacy hedges lead to homes priced upward from $10 million, with some reaching $70 million and climbing.

2 The First Millionaire

Palm Beach has been synonymous with high society since 1896 when oil tycoon Henry Flagler built his first luxury hotel on this slender 18-mile- long barrier island and lured those who had the means to escape winter’s wrath. The home he built for his third bride was named Whitehall, house of marble. Meticulously preserved, it is now the Flagler Museum and tells the story of not only Flagler’s accomplishments, but of life on Palm Beach during the Gilded Age, through its exquisite architecture and historic furnishings.

3 The Ultimate Shopping Experience

Worth Avenue has the most prestigious shops in the world—Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci to name a few—brimming with elegant merchandise. No doubt there’s some serious designer and brand- name shopping going on here. But even if you don’t have super-deep pockets, you’ll still find a few stores on the avenue or hidden in the vias, little gardenlike passageways, where a purchase or two won’t break the bank.

4 The Scene

Enjoy a cocktail, lunch or dinner at any of the restaurants on or around Worth Avenue that cater to the nip-and-tuck clientele sporting saucer- size sunglasses. The go-to lunch spot for decades is Ta-Boo, where a mixed crowd of regulars and visitors can always be found, and for cocktails, the Leopard Lounge, in the Chesterfield boutique hotel, is another traditional venue famous for its catlike decor. But other spots like chef Clay Conley’s Buccan keep the culinary offerings fresh and the vibe modern.

5 The Grandest of the Grande Dames

Palm Beach’s most famous hotel is the Breakers, a historic treasure still operated by Henry Flagler’s heirs. To experience this opulent property, book a night or two. But if that’s not in your budget, then come for Sunday brunch in the cavernous Circle Room where 30-foot frescoed ceilings and murals of Tivoli Gardens add even more opulence to the experience. Don’t leave without looking up: Renaissance-style artwork adorns the Breakers arched ceilings along with elaborate crystal chandeliers.

6 Winter Feasting

Quickly rising to the top of Florida’s list for foodie festivals, the December Palm Beach Food & Wine Fest draws top talent like chefs Daniel Boulud, Scott Conant and David Burke along with Food Network celebs. Chef talks, high tea and four-course dinners are held at the Four Seasons, the Breakers and other venues around town, with the Grand Tasting on Worth Avenue the most delicious finale.

7 Walk the Avenue

A dapperly dressed Rick Rose leads the curious on a Historical Walking Tour of Worth Avenue every Wednesday. Not just a famous shopping street, Worth Avenue has a fascinating history and Rose’s animated tours spill all. Expect the scoop on how eccentric Addison Mizner became the signature architect of old Palm Beach and why Lilly Pulitzer set up shop here to sell her rainbow-colored resort wear.

8 The Beach

With a bustling social scene, one can almost forget the beach. But that would be a shame, so you’ll want to head to the public stretch right off of Worth Avenue by the big tower clock. It’s perfect for a stroll and of course, if you stay at any of the oceanfront hotels you have a swath of sand and crashing waves.

9 Hotel Hopping

Palm Beach doesn’t have a huge inventory of hotels, but what it does have is some of the classiest properties. Shoppers prefer boutique hotels steps from Worth Avenue: the Chesterfield, where they can enjoy a high tea after shopping, the Colony, with evening cabaret shows at the Royal Room, and the Brazilian Court, a private spot hidden by tropical foliage on a side street. Big resorts from the Breakers to the Four Seasons and the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa to the Omphoy Ocean Resort provide the cabana and beach experience.

10 Summer Bargains

When temperatures rise, seasonal residents shift to the Hamptons. And that’s when Palm Beach is especially appealing to those of us further down the wealth spectrum. The weather may be hot, but the Gulf Stream ushers in a breeze. Resorts offer deep discounts, and Worth Avenue stores slash prices. All are good reasons to go.

Florida, Miami Beach, Plan, South Beach, Trip Ideas

South Beach: 10 Reasons to Go

June 17, 2014

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A major hot spot for a tropical escape, South Beach is a hub for fashion and fun, sun and surf, food and drink, art and music, parties and all-nighters. It’s a place where everything is done with a big splash of glitter and glitz. From a morning jog along Ocean Drive to afternoon shopping on Lincoln Road to cocktails at hotel bars life is good here. But once the sun sets, the mood changes as the neon lights go on and diners fills up outdoor cafes, followed by hipsters on the prowl for some wild after-dark fun.

1 See and Be Seen

Since its rebirth in the 1980s South Beach has been a magnet for the glitterati. Stars, from Madonna to Cameron Diaz, strutted their stuff on Ocean Drive and in the clubs—back then. Today you’re more likely to spot the next reality TV star and the hyped-up celeb sports figure making the scene. But one thing for sure, SoBe is a hot place to get noticed—day and night— and there’s no shortage of folks in search of the limelight.

2 City that Never Sleeps

This town rocks 24/7. From the sunrise-watching all-night party crowd, who never slept, to the early morning athletes pumping up their muscles on beach workout bars, action is round the clock. You can play all day, dine at night, hit the clubs, party at the after-hour spots and start all over again the next day, with a jolt of super-strong Cuban coffee to get you going.

3 Beach Bunnies

The best action is on the sands at Lummus Park skirting Ocean Drive. Claim your spot and take in a volleyball game as buff guys and gals spike the ball. Walk the stretch and check out the funky art-deco lifeguard stands or just soak up the warm rays. When thirst sets in, cross the street to any of the open-air bars and cafes for an ice-cold beer or better yet, a mojito.

4 Lincoln Road

This pedestrian mall is where locals and visitors mingle. Umbrellas shade the outdoor tables on the promenade, which are prime spots for people watching. Another favorite pastime is dog walking and the parade of pooches never stops. Restaurants serve everything from seafood to ropa vieja, microbrews to lattes. Shopping on the west end is a tad more upscale with Brazilian designer boutiques and art galleries scattered about.

5 Party Time

Things start late in South Beach, so don’t even think of arriving before 10 p.m., in fact, midnight is more the hour when the party starts heating up. No matter what your budget, there are bars and clubs for everyone, from the red-velvet-rope nightclubs with neon lights and pumping house music to the old dive bars, where a game of pool and a cold beer are all you need.

6 Killer Fashion

The fashion show never ends on South Beach so get ready for your catwalk debut. Dressing is part of the scene. Whether it’s the latest bikini, hippest shorts with a trendy T-shirt or the flashiest hip-hugging dress with stilettos, this is the place to strut your best stuff. And if you don’t have SoBe-style attire, there are plenty of stores with outrageously cool clothing on just about every block.

7 Events Galore

South Beach plays host to top events, starting with Art Deco Weekend in January, a celebration in the art-deco historic district with wild parades and art displays. In February the South Beach Wine and Food Festival brings Food Network chefs and their entourages for 10 days of feasting and partying. In April international polo players and their ponies arrive for the Miami Beach Polo World Cup, played right on the sands. May’s Fashion Week packs SoBe hotels with long- legged models and dazzling fashion shows. In December Art Basel spills into South Beach, filling the Miami Beach Convention Center with the world’s best contemporary artwork.

8 Foodie Scene

There are more restaurants packed into this 23-block-long stretch than you’d think—and new ones are opening constantly. The popular sidewalk dining along Ocean Drive draws huge crowds, but on the side streets you’ll find gems with starred culinary ratings, and if you head to the South of Fifth neighborhood, you’ll encounter a quieter more sophisticated dining scene.

9 Perfect Pitch

The New World Center, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry, is where the New World Symphony and its artistic director, Michael Tilson Thomas, make music. A cultural stop for any visitor who appreciates the arts, the center even has an outdoor element: SoundScape, a park where the public can watch free concerts from within the performance hall that are projected onto the building’s vast 7,000-square-foot exterior wall.

10 Art-Deco Hotels

Despite all the fanfare going on, it’s the art-deco thread running throughout South Beach that gives the area its distinct look. Take a walking tour with the Art Deco Preservation League or tour on your own schedule with a walk down Collins Avenue to pop in and out of the National, the Raleigh, the Delano and the recently refurbished SLS hotels. The smaller art-deco boutique properties are just as stunning with portholes, eyebrows and pastel colors from the early 1900s architectural movement.

Bonaire, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Bonaire: 10 Reasons to Go

June 16, 2014

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A leader in eco-tourism, Bonaire is surrounded by an underwater marine park protected in perpetuity. Today and tomorrow, divers and snorkelers will explore pristine reefs pulsing with sea life. Topside, adventurers bike and hike along the coast and in the rugged parched interior.

1 Flamingo Road

The quirky yet magnificent Caribbean flamingo calls Bonaire home. Most live and breed at Salt Lake, a nesting ground that’s off limits to humans—though you can get a peek of pink from the road (bring binoculars for a closer look). Sightings are also plentiful at the landlocked salt lake of Gotomeer in Washington Slagbaai National Park, where the big birds can be seen preening and feeding on insects along the water’s edge. The flamingo is Bonaire’s signature icon, so protecting the island’s 15,000 pink-feathered residents is high priority.

2 Donkey Crossing

You’ll see the signs along the roadside as you travel in the countryside. The island’s feral donkeys graze on succulents and sparse green leaves growing along the sloping landscape. Occasionally, a couple will stop dead in the middle of the road en route to greener pastures. Night driving commands some caution as a stray could be around the next curve. Originally brought in by the Spanish, the pack animals once served as a means of transportation. Today they are free to roam the hillsides and like all living creatures on Bonaire they are protected; more than 400 live on a sanctuary where visitors can see them up close.

3 Marine Park

Thanks to dive pioneers like Capt. Don Stewart and others passionate about the underwater world, the reef system around Bonaire was declared a national marine park in 1979. Today STINAPA, a government-commissioned NGO, overlooks the park like a favored child. The most recognized marine park in the Caribbean, it is permeated with colorful stands of coral and the shimmering iridescence of 350 species of fish. Bonaire took a strong conservation stance in the early ’70s to watch over the turtle population, prohibit spearfishing and protect reefs by installing mooring balls to prevent anchor damage. Divers are dropped by boat or enter the water from shore.

4 The Slagbaai

Impressive in size, the 13,500-acre Washington Slagbaai National Park covers nearly 20 percent of the island. It is a testament to Bonaire’s conviction to preserve the environment above ground as well as beneath the sea. The grounds of two former plantations were purchased by the government and established as a national treasure in 1969. The park, which celebrates its 45^th birthday June 1, 2014, is home to 190 species of birds, free-roaming goats, donkeys, lizards and an array of flowering cacti.

5 Protecting Parrots

Bonaire’s strong conservation ethic and love for nature has helped to protect the yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot (Amazona barbadensis). The colorful bird, known locally as the lora, is green and yellow and shows a display of blue and red feathers in flight. These birds arrive from Venezuela and Margarita Island and find the rocky cliffs and holes in Bonaire’s lignum vitae and gum trees ideal for nests. Noise and construction chases them away, so researchers love the fact that nearly 20 percent of Bonaire is under the watchful eye of park rangers, giving the approximately 800 yellow-shouldered parrots remaining in the wild a chance for survival.

6 Dutch Treat

Young Dutch entrepreneurs are drawn to Bonaire for the laid-back atmosphere, sunny skies and business opportunities made possible by the island’s long association with the Netherlands. They open restaurants, bars and small shops, bringing with them their European attitudes. This bohemian Euro-flair on a tiny island stands out and gives Bonaire a touch of international appeal. You can shop for gourmet Dutch treats at the supermarkets, learn a few Dutch words and linger over long meals at some of the trendy outdoor cafes and restaurants in Kralendijk.

7 Easy Access

There are 85 officially named dive sites off of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, and almost half are reachable by shore. Divers and snorkelers can load their gear in a rental car—or one of the pickup trucks specially equipped with gear racks—and follow the coastal road to rock markers painted bright yellow and emblazoned with the name of the site. Most sites have convenient parking areas just a short walk from shore, and the swim to the reef is equally easy.

8 The Salt Pans

As you drive to the southern tip of the island, you’ll see what looks like snow-covered mountains. In reality, they aren’t. They are actually mounds of salt, drying and crystallizing for export. During the island’s colonial period, salt had been an important trade commodity, harvested by hand and carried on backs of men to ships that sailed to Europe. Today the natural product that comes from the sea is pumped by machine into ponds, the brine is then pumped into crystallizers and after it is harvested, washed and dried for export. While most of the salt heads to foreign lands you can buy a bag of sea salt crystals in local shops to take home for a soak.

9 Windsurfers’ Place

While the sport might be waning in some parts of the world, it’s still big on Bonaire. People travel from Europe and North America for a chance to sail in steady winds, ranging from 15 to 20 knots in the winter months and 25 to 30 knots during the high winds of summer. The warm waters of Lac Bay, coupled with side onshore breezes, make the spot one of the best in the Caribbean. For the neophyte the best place to learn is inside the protected bay, where shallow waters and a sandy bottom make learning that first beach or water start a reality. A few days of practicing your jibes in the side onshore winds will take you to the next level before you head home.

10 Natural Art

Artists find inspiration in nature both above and beneath the water. Janice Huckaby depicts underwater life and natural settings of the island in watercolors, oil and acrylic. Sculptures of mermaids and turtles are also in her realm of imagination. Germaine Nijdam finds discarded items on the coasts and turns them into wall art. Driftwood, plastic bottles and rope become fish, sunbursts and quaint island vignettes. She also makes benches and stools from wood that once floated in the sea. Both local and visiting artists are celebrated in an annual art festival. Dia di Arte at Wilhelmina Park in Kralendijk takes place the first Sunday every July.